Written answers

Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Department of Agriculture and Food

Fishing Industry Development

11:00 pm

Photo of Seán ConnickSeán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outcome of his June 2009 meeting with the EU Fisheries Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25939/09]

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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At this month's Fisheries Council in Luxembourg, Minister Killeen took the opportunity to meet with Commissioner Borg to outline some of the key issues facing the Irish fishing industry currently.

The discussion dealt with the impact of the increasing cost of fuel and deteriorating prices being achieved for fish. Minister Killeen put Ireland's submission for additional EU funded restructuring measures back on the table.

In addition, the difficulties the Irish fishermen are experiencing in relation to the new effort regimes in the Irish Sea and North West were brought home to the Commissioner. Minister Killeen pressed strongly for changes that would maximize the available fishing effort for the Irish fleet by allowing Ireland to choose the reference years used to establish the effort for each individual fishery. Minister Killeen also asked for a number of practical changes to the rules that would help alleviate the impacts on the fleet particularly in the North West and in the Irish Sea. The changes sought were on the basis of discussions held with fishing industry representatives.

Minister Killeen also highlighted all our concerns regarding the impact of the additional unilateral mackerel quotas established by Norway and Iceland and the impacts of these actions on the EU mackerel fishery. He called on the Commissioner to ensure that all parties act in a responsible way and respect the agreed Total Allowable Catch which was established to take account of scientific advice. Minister Killeen made clear that the establishment of additional mackerel quotas by Norway and Iceland this year is not acceptable to Ireland.

Finally, the Minister outlined to the Commissioner the difficulties, from an Irish fisherman's perspective, with the proposed Recovery Plan for Celtic Sea Cod where a restriction on fishing effort is being proposed. He pointed out that the effort restrictions introduced in Area VI and the Irish Sea have substantially reduced fishing opportunities and fishing grounds for the Irish fleet. He proposed that other means such as more environmentally friendly fishing gear & closed areas to protect spawning grounds be put in place as the most appropriate tools to rebuild the cod stock in the Celtic Sea.

The meeting was very useful and gave Minister Killeen a good opportunity to address some of the most pressing issues facing the Irish fishing industry at present and to ensure that these are fully understood and appreciated by Commissioner Borg.

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